In a moment of quick thinking and decisive leadership, Principal Saeed Ahmad of a school in Swat saved nearly 900 students from certain disaster when devastating floods struck the valley on Friday.
At around 9 a.m., Ahmad noticed the water levels of a nearby stream rising rapidly. Trusting his instincts and drawing from past experience, he ordered an immediate evacuation of all students and staff. Within just 15 minutes, the entire school community had safely left the premises.
Moments later, the floodwaters swept through the school grounds, destroying nearly half of the building, including its boundary walls and playground.
Local officials confirmed that around 900 children were inside at the time, and Ahmad’s timely decision averted what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.
Ahmad, who has served as the school’s principal for 12 years, recalled the devastation of 1995, when floods destroyed the same school building. That painful memory, he said, sharpened his vigilance and helped him recognize the threat early.
The school is one of dozens of educational institutions destroyed as torrential floods ravage several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where more than 350 lives have been lost in just three days.
Amid the tragedy, Principal Saeed Ahmad’s courage and foresight stand as a reminder of how leadership and presence of mind can save countless lives.
